Berlin. The German Association of Cities and Towns has criticized the federal government's approach to the heating law and is calling for support from both national and state authorities.
Germany's heating transition faces delays as cities scramble for clarity and funds
"We would have liked clarity much sooner," Christian Schuchardt, the association's chief executive, told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). After all, the federal government had initially required major cities to submit heating transition plans by the end of July. Many municipalities are now in the final stretch, he noted—referring to remarks by a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs on Wednesday, which granted cities an additional four months to complete the task.
Looking ahead, Schuchardt emphasized that planning certainty is essential for implementing the shift to sustainable heating. However, he warned that cities and utility providers cannot shoulder the necessary investments alone. He proposed aligning the federal government's Deutschlandfonds (Germany Fund) with the heating transition's goals. "Given the varying financial capacities of cities, the states must also contribute to risk mitigation in their respective areas," Schuchardt added.
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